We can go through life alone, or we can go through life in community. While it’s our choice, God created us for relationship. His second greatest commandment is to, “love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). We were never intended to experience both happiness and suffering on our own.
This morning, one of my friends came over early before work. She brought me breakfast and prayed with me. Spending time with me was her way to show support after one of my family members passed away a couple of days ago. We drank hot tea and talked about the way we see God show up in our lives. She listened attentively as I reflected on the way our faith transforms our response to suffering…to death.
We had quality fellowship—sharing a meal, taking turns reading through the Scriptures in a precious little book called Face to Face: Praying the Scripture for Spiritual Growth by Kenneth Boa:
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; You are my God, and I will exalt you. I will give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good; Your loyal love endures forever. (Psalm 118:28-29).
There’s nothing quite like receiving a message from Dad and Mom at midnight, “Call as soon as you can, Shannon.” Although, upon hearing the news, an instantaneous peace washed over me. Through His comfort, God gave me the strength to be a comforter and support for my family—to pray with Mom when she couldn’t find the words.
I know that when I reach home, a different kind of mourning will set in, especially when my family is all together. A favorite professor’s words ring in my mind, let us “respond to suffering with worship.” How true it is! True adoration and thanksgiving to God and humbly loving others gives us a peace beyond reasoning. My prayer is that if you are suffering from the death of a loved one, a broken marriage, a broken heart, physical pain or anything else, that you would seek comfort in the Lord and let others encourage you in this dark time.
Another dear friend reminded me of that with lyrics from “Blessed be Your Name” (video embedded below):
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering though there’s pain in the offering blessed be your name…when the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
